Menopause Happens To Guys Too – The Truth About Andropause

POSTED ON May 12, 2015 BY Greg Ashby

Written by: Greg Ashby

Are you irritable, constantly angry or short tempered? Do you get “grumpy old man” syndrome? Are you fatigued, have loss of energy, loss of concentration or feel overstressed? Do you feel you have lost your motivation to perform on the job – or even in the bedroom?

Well, you could have Low T, or andropause (take this Low T quiz to help determine how severe your symptoms could be).

A basic description of andropause is low testosterone (Low T). But it goes deeper than this – Low T involves estrogen, insulin and cortisol.

“Estrogen? But I’m a male.”

Is there a role of estrogen in males?

In 1988, it was discovered that estradiol (E2) was an important factor for the production and development of mature sperm as well as for bone formation and lipid (fat) metabolism. Newer research on estrogen in males show it is involved in reducing coronary disease.

Now, for the other side of the coin…

Excess estrogen is a risk factor in prostate cancer and autoimmune diseases. As mentioned above, estrogen has a protective effect on the vascular smooth muscle of the cardiovascular system. Estrogen aids in brain function by converting testosterone into estradiol as needed. Estrogen also modulates the immune system in males.

Men are having rapidly declining infertility rates and lowered sperm counts.

Now, hormone changes are a very natural part of aging. Women can and often do experience slow to rapid changes in hormones. But in men, these changes – decreased sexual function, increased belly fat, energy levels and mood changes – are slow enough, that they often go unnoticed over time.

According to the Mayo Clinic, men tend to be less aware of subtle body changes. Because of these subtle changes, the depression, weight gain and loss of libido are just often seen as normal signs of aging. The research clearly shows there are 3 major factors driving andropause. Some on the minor factors are environmental toxins, such xenoestrogens and the estrogens found in some foods.

All of the “Big 3” conditions can impact the liver. Other factors that can alter liver function and elevate estrogen are:

Deficiency of zinc

Alcohol overuse/abuse

Certain drugs that can cause estrogen imbalance

Imbalances in cortisol

Too much insulin in males increases aromatization, the normal conversion of testosterone to estrogen. The Standard American Diet (SAD), which is high in carbs, leads to elevated insulin and, because of aromatization, it increases estrogen and decreases testosterone.

You know this picture: lounging on the couch, watching the game, drinking beer, eating chips… done regularly, this is leading you right towards andropause.

The first thing every man – regardless of age – needs to take responsibility for is taking charge of his health. The fact is that Low T and elevated estrogen is toxic to the body and shouldn’t be ignored.

Greg Ashby, CHHC, AADP lives in Ogden, Utah and is an Integrative Health Coach and Functional Nutrition Consultant. Greg has been in the Health and Wellness industry for over 20 years.

Because of his personal experience with Adrenal and Thyroid disorders, as well as Cancer, he’s committed to the areas of Autoimmunity and Cancer prevention and management when it comes to research and his work. He enjoys studying the Psychology of Eating and Behavioral Disorders.

Glenn was in an accident with a hockey puck that made it so his mouth had to be wired shut! While he was going through recovery he found that Organifi Protein sustained him in a healthy way where he was able to maintain his muscle mass while still be able to loose weight.

-Tragedy Turns to Opportunity, Weightloss and Holistic Health

Glenn was in an accident with a hockey puck that made it so his mouth had to be wired shut! While he was going through recovery he found that Organifi Protein sustained him in a healthy way where he was able to maintain his muscle mass while still be able to loose weight.